The Managing Director of Ghana Publishing Company Limited, Nana Kwesi Boatey, has shared the company's success story of transforming overstaffing into productivity through the government's 24-Hour Economy initiative. When Boatey assumed office in February 2025, he inherited a workforce of 250 employees, which was more than the 150 people needed to efficiently run the company. This led to serious liquidity challenges for the state-owned company.
Instead of downsizing, Boatey introduced a 24-hour operational system with staff redistributed across three shifts: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. This innovative approach ensured optimal use of labour, maximized machine utilization, and improved overall output. The new system redefined the productivity culture within the company, reinforcing discipline, accountability, and efficiency.
The Ghana Publishing Company's turnaround is being cited as a practical example of how the 24-Hour Economy policy can drive growth without job losses. Boatey shared the company's success story at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, November 2. The company's experience demonstrates that with the right strategies, companies can overcome challenges and achieve success.
The 24-Hour Economy initiative aims to promote economic growth and job creation by encouraging businesses to operate around the clock. The policy has been widely discussed, with some experts arguing that it can help Ghana's economy recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ghana Publishing Company's success story is an example of how the policy can be implemented effectively.
In addition to the 24-Hour Economy initiative, other news in Ghana includes the National Identification Authority's (NIA) enforcement of new biometric verification rules. The NIA has warned institutions that fail to comply with the new requirements of possible fines of up to 2,000 penalty units. The Authority has completed its public education and stakeholder engagement activities and is now moving into the enforcement and compliance monitoring phase.
The NIA's new regulations require institutions to use the Authority's approved biometric verification platform instead of relying solely on visual inspection of the Ghana Card. Institutions are prohibited from photocopying, scanning, or keeping copies of the Ghana Card for identity verification purposes. The new system aims to reduce identity fraud, impersonation, and other crimes by ensuring that the person presenting the Ghana Card is the actual owner.
Meanwhile, a Syrian national was arrested at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, with approximately 40 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine concealed in two pieces of luggage. The arrest was made following a joint operation involving Ghanaian and Lebanese drug law enforcement authorities. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed the arrest, adding that it is working to apprehend the suspect's accomplices in Ghana.
Key points
- The Ghana Publishing Company's implementation of a 24-hour operational system has improved productivity and efficiency.
- The National Identification Authority is enforcing new biometric verification rules to reduce identity fraud.
- A Syrian national was arrested in Lebanon with 40kg of suspected cocaine from Ghana.
